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MILPITAS, Santa Clara County, Calif., Nov. 11, 2026 — Four vehicles collided on Monday afternoon, November 9, on southbound I-680 near Montague Expressway in Milpitas, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one driver reported possible injuries.
The crash was reported shortly before 4 p.m. and involved a Honda Civic, a Toyota Prius, a second Honda Civic and a vehicle that may have been a van. One car came to rest in the number three lane with its airbags deployed, while three other vehicles pulled to the center divider. A white Honda Civic in that lane was reported with possible injuries, and an ambulance was requested for at least one person hurt in the crash.
The California Highway Patrol said the number one lane was blocked for a time as units responded, and the Freeway Service Patrol was called in to help clear the scene. Two additional vehicles were later reported stopped at the center divider as the investigation continued. Tow trucks were requested for vehicles with rear and front-end damage, and crews from Sunnyvale Tow and another towing company responded to remove the cars. By early evening, the CHP confirmed the lane had reopened, and the roadway was clear.
No fatalities were reported. The extent of the injuries had not been detailed as of this writing, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Milpitas, CA
This multi-vehicle crash happened on I-680 in Milpitas, CA. We cover crashes across Santa Clara County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Santa Clara County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does following distance matter so much in traffic?
Keeping a safe gap behind the vehicle ahead gives a driver more time to brake or steer around trouble. When vehicles follow too closely, a single slowdown can trigger a chain reaction of collisions.
Do crashes commonly happen in the same spot right after an initial wreck?
Yes. Traffic backs up quickly behind a crash, and drivers approaching the scene may not notice stopped cars in time, leading to a second collision close behind the first.
Why are multi-vehicle crashes harder to investigate than two-car wrecks?
Investigators have to work out the order vehicles struck each other and how much each driver contributed, which usually takes longer when more cars and more damage are involved.
What typically leads to a pile-up involving several vehicles?
Sudden braking, reduced visibility, congestion, and a driver following too closely are common factors that can turn one crash into a multi-vehicle pile-up.
